During this day tour we will learn to discover the North-East side of the Etna volcano, visiting the famous 1865 mountain Sartorius button line where we will trek for approximately 45 minutes. We will then move towards "Rifugio Piano Provenzana" on the North side of Etna, where it will be possible to take in and understand the effects of the destructive eruption of 2002. We will stop for a light lunch then move towards Castiglione di Sicilia and the Alcantara valley which takes its name from the homonymous river running through it, here it will be possible to visit the famous "Alcantara Gorges".
Italiano, English, Español
Daily
At your Accommodation
SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
Full refund up to 72 hours before of the experience
The day will begin with the collection from your accommodation at a pre-arranged time.
Following our initial presentation and daily briefing we will begin our excursion travelling towards the northeast side of Mount Etna. As we ascend, it will be possible to see how the vegetation changes around us, from citrus groves at sea level to olive groves on the hills towards Linguaglossa where you will notice the array of vineyards with D.O.C.certification.
Visiting the town of Linguaglossa we will visualise how the Etna lava stone has been applied in the construction of roads and buildings, creating this fascinating town.
Continuing up the "Mareneve" road for approximately 16 kilometres, we will reach an altitude of 1600m above sea level, where we will commence our trek. The trek itself takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, the route is suitable for all levels including children.
Mount Sartorius took its name from the geologist "Wolfgang Sartorius von Waltershausen'', this mountain was formed following an eruption dating back to 1895 creating a buttonhole of 7 almost aligned craters, close to the largest secular birch forest of Mount Etna.
During our walk we will meet large rolled volcanic bombs on the sides of the craters surrounded by a thick undergrowth between rocks and Larch Pines, made up of Romice, Tanaceto, Chamomile, Etna Fern and many other native species of the area.
Piano Provenzana was the principal location of the 2002 eruption, which lasted 3 months. Once we arrive in the piazza, you will find small souvenir shops and bars. At an altitude of 1900 m above sea level, you can still note the force of destruction caused 20 years on. In fact clearly visible are the craters from the buttonhole formed between 2100 m and 2600 m above sea level. Some remains are also visible from the colossal trunks of Larch Pines which formed the famous Pineta Ragabo.
After a refreshment stop in one of the famous local refuges, we will continue our journey in the direction of the Alcantara gorges, passing through Castiglione di Sicilia. Castiglione is a mediaeval village inserted in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy, dating back to the 12th century, where the Castle of Lauria was built on the highest point on a large sandstone rock base.
We will arrive at the Alcantara Gorges, this is a must for nature lovers. The Alcantara gorges were formed around 250,000 years ago inside the bed of a lava flow where the waters of the Alcantara river flow today. This river from the source "Mount Peloritani" flows approximately 42 kilometres before joining the Ionian Sea.
We will enjoy a walk on the banks of the gorge and admire the natural formations such as the "Basaltic Prisms" caused by the sudden cooling of the lava and much more.
We should also mention the botanical nature reserve adjacent to the car park, you will have the opportunity to visit this if you wish.
After this we will start our journey back to your accommodation.
The order of the events will be communicated by your Driver on the day • All activities will be carried out on foot, in a car or minivan • All refreshments and wine tastings are excluded
| 1-3 pax | 300€ |
| 4-6 pax | 360€ |
| 7-8 pax | 450€ |
We will collect you from your accommodation at a previously agreed time between 8.30am and 9am tra le 08:30 am e le 09:00 am.
Your guide will be an experienced driver that speaks: Italian, English, Spanish , with a deep knowledge of the local area.
We recommend booking this excursion in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during days of festivities. We require at least 2 days notice and bookings are subject to availability.
To make a reservation, follow the link at the bottom of the page. You will be contacted within 24 hours by our booking team who will confirm your booking and assist you in preparing for your excursion.
You may cancel this excursion free of charge up to 72 hours before the date of activity. No refunds will be given for cancellations within the 72 hour period, arriving late or no shows.